GCN Magazine

Welcome, dear reader, to the October 2026 issue of GCN.
Gracing our cover is Kate Moynihan, who was anointed Person of the Year at The GALAS 2026. This beautiful photo, shot by Babs Daly, hints at what’s to come in the pages that follow. That’s right! This is our annual magazine celebrating the nominees and recipients of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ awards.
Organised by the NXF and GCN, The GALAS held its 13th edition on October 3. Across 16 categories, hosts Louise McSharry and Michael Fry presented awards recognising the individuals, organisations, and businesses making this island and the world a more equal place for all. It was a night to remember, and in case you need a refresher, we have a rundown of all that went down in this issue.
Beyond The GALAS coverage, one young writer examines how LGBTQ+ people push fashion beyond its limits, while another contributor looks at how certain video game characters and character creation allow users to explore different identities. The rise of Ireland’s Trans Pride movement is also explored, and ILGA-Europe shares their current priorities in conjunction with their Dublin conference. There is an interview with indie folk musician Ailbhe Reddy, and a wonderful piece on Cork’s iconic Fantasy Ball.
While we hope The GALAS coverage fills you with queer joy, we must also acknowledge that progress cannot be taken for granted, and we can’t become complacent. In September, the Turkish LGBTQ+ community was subjected to shocking raids, with 162 people arrested and vital organisations being shut down. October 2026 also marks three years since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza, since killing over 74,000 Palestinians.
The fight for equality doesn’t stop when only some of us achieve progress. So while you read, also remember that our global struggles are connected, and so is our liberation.
Thank you for lending us your time and attention; we hope you enjoy this issue of GCN!